Borisov-Arena is an ultramodern football stadium in Belarus. Here, the national team and the local BATE team play their home matches. The arena is located in the city of Borisov. It meets all the requirements of UEFA, due to which it has the status of the fourth category (highest). This gives the stadium the right to host the final matches of any international competitions, including the European and World Championships.
First project
One of the main reasons for the construction of a new arena in Borisov was FC BATE entering the group stage of the Champions League. This significant event for all Belarusian football took place in 2008. Due to the incompatibility of the city stadium with UEFA standards, the team had to conduct all their home meetings in Minsk at the Dynamo arena. This fact did not suit either the players, the club management, or the fans.
In 2009, the team made it to the Europa League. And this time the club from Borisov was forced to play in Minsk. At the end of the season, the BATE FC Directorate at the next meeting decided to approve a new stadium project that would fully meet UEFA requirements.
One of the well-known Slovenian companies set about creating a plan and layout for the arena. The leadership of FC BATE decided to take the stadium of the Maribor club as a model. It was this arena that formed the basis of the project in Borisov. Initially, according to the plan, the number of seats was to be limited to 12,500, but subsequently the stands turned out to be slightly higher.
Fans asked to build a large stadium that could accommodate everyone, and in Borisov there are a lot of football fans. However, the project included not only the arena. Commercial areas and several parking lots were supposed to fit on the allotted territory.
In 2010, the Borisov-Arena project was completed and approved. The only changes concerned the shape of the roof and the holes in the walls.
Construction stages
Preparatory work began in November 2010. For the construction of the Borisov-Arena stadium, a huge site was chosen in the forest near the main highway to Minsk.
The engineering communications construction phase began at the end of 2012. Sewerage, water supply and power lines were laid to the arena. The stands were built of reinforced concrete structures. By October 2012, almost all the supporting columns were installed. The construction of sectors took place rapidly, since solid metal structures were used.
By the spring of 2013, all the stands had already been erected; the installation phase of special anti-vandal seats that could not be set on fire began. Soon the Borisov-Arena stadium was overgrown with a metal frame of walls. At the end of April, drywall partitions and special reflective sheets began to be attached to it. By this time, all plumbing work had already been completed.
In May, agronomists began to improve the field. Finishing work continued inside the stadium. Outside, builders laid tiles, landscaped porches and parking lots. At the end of the month, work began on the installation of lighting. Searchlights, it was decided to place not only on 4 masts, but also on the edges of the roof.
In August 2013, Borisov-Arena received its final appearance. The stadium was ready for the opening. According to some reports, the construction of the arena cost the team management $ 58 million.
Technical specifications
The capacity of the Borisov-Arena is 13,126 spectators. The VIP zone is designed for 119 people. In total, the stadium has 10 VIP-boxes. The capacity of the press area is 114 people. It is equipped with everything necessary for a live broadcast from the stadium.
Also in the arena there are places of increased comfort. This zone is designed for 650 spectators. In the podium there is a large hall for holding press conferences, which seats about 90 journalists.
The stands of the stadium are divided into 26 sectors. Each of them seats from 400 to 600 spectators. There are also special guest sectors.
Borisov-Arena is built according to the football type. Even at
the design stage , the option of a multifunctional (Olympic) stadium was not considered. Therefore, the stands are located in close proximity to the football field.
Lawn - natural, heated. The field is 105 m long and 68 m wide.
The parking complex is designed for 1500 cars.
Stadium opening
The first official match at the Borisov Arena was played in May 2014. A grand opening ceremony was held before the final of the National Cup. The stadium was filled to capacity, even despite the fact that FC BATE did not take part in the match. In the final, such Belarusian teams met as Shakhtar and Neman. At the end of the match, a large concert took place, ending with a grandiose salute.
The first game of the Borisov club at the new stadium took place a few days later. FC BATE easily defeated the modest Slutsk.
Services and address
On the basis of the complex there are: a large children's center, paraphernalia and gyms.
The stadium in the city of Borisov is located at: Gagarina street, building number 119.
You can get to it by city buses No. 2b, 9 and 10. Another option - for nonresident ones - is rail transport (Borisov or Pechinsky stations).
The airport is 60 km from the stadium. The distance to Minsk is about 70 km.